Chapter 224: Into the Depths of Ming Valley
Jian Dan didn't hesitate. She cast a Cleansing Spell on herself, adjusted her black robe, and lightly touched the silver beetle at the corner of her eye. Once she confirmed everything was in order, she mounted her light and flew straight to Tian Mo Peak.
By the time Jian Dan arrived at the grand hall, over twenty Divine Transformation cultivators had already gathered, with cultivation levels ranging from early to late stage. Naturally, the Peak Lords of each mountain were also present.
"Peak Lord Mo Yue, do you know why the Palace Master summoned us?" asked a matronly female cultivator, stepping closer to Jian Dan.
"Greetings, Senior Sister. I only came after receiving the summons. I'm not sure what this is about either," Jian Dan replied politely.
Mo Su arrived last. A rare seriousness was etched on his face as he offered greetings and stood quietly to one side.
"Everyone is here," said the Palace Master Mo Lie, already seated on the main dais without anyone noticing. He gave a brief nod, then calmly spoke.
"There has been a problem with Ming Valley, the place we of the Demon Palace have long watched over. A large number of underground beasts have started to break through and charge outward."
The moment his words fell, everyone exchanged shocked looks before quickly beginning a silent spiritual exchange. The news clearly shook them.
Jian Dan lowered her gaze and searched her memory for references to Ming Valley. She had seen it mentioned in the demon clan's ancient records.
Ming Valley had always been a collaborative effort, guarded by the various sects of the Demon Palace. It existed like an independent pocket realm, yet was tethered to the Lingyuan Continent—a small tail hanging off the edge of the landmass.
Long ago, several powerful Zhēnzūn from the demon realm attempted to sever this tail-space entirely using an array, but failed. The space could not be cast off. In the end, barriers were set at the spatial nodes to keep it contained.
The Dao, Demon, and Beast clans each sent people inside to explore. Ming Valley was pitch black and filled with highly concentrated demonic energy. The harsh environment was unbearable for prolonged stays, especially for Dao cultivators, for whom the pureness of the demonic energy was fatally harmful. For demon cultivators seeking breakthroughs, however, it was a valuable training ground.
Beast cultivators who lingered too long would eventually go berserk and be devoured by the native beasts. In the end, only demon cultivators could remain within for long periods. Even so, the beasts attacked any intruders, forcing the three clans to agree that only demon cultivators would guard the entrance.
The major sects of the Demon Palace reached an accord to take turns guarding the boundary and, when the barrier weakened, to send cultivators inside to hunt beasts and strengthen themselves.
When these beasts died, their flesh, blood, bones, and organs would slowly decompose within the realm, eventually giving rise to new ones.
It had been tens of thousands of years without any incident. Now, suddenly, something had gone wrong.
"Zhūnzhǔ, how have the other sects responded?"
"They've been notified. Several Zhēnzūn joined forces to stabilize the boundary, so for now the situation is under control. However, they have also requested reinforcements. Part of our mission is to hunt down the beasts and stop their advance, but more importantly, we need to uncover the reason behind their sudden surge."
Jian Dan felt a surge of interest. Her Heavenly Demon Art was an ancient technique with high demands on demonic energy. Her breakthrough to Divine Transformation had relied heavily on the refined magic energy within the secluded space of the Demon Abyss. Ming Valley might offer another such chance.
Moreover, the affair with the Ma clan had been resolved swiftly but left lingering troubles. A heavy blow like this would not be easily forgiven. This upcoming mission could be her chance to both avoid entanglements and grow stronger.
"I gathered you all to prepare. We will dispatch cultivators to Ming Valley in batches. Adjust your state to peak condition. In fifteen days, I will issue the first call to depart."
"Understood, Palace Master."
"Also, keep this matter restricted to Divine Transformation and above. Do not spread it further."
"Yes."
As Jian Dan stepped out of the hall, she saw Mo Su, Mo Qi, and Mo Yi exiting as well. Spotting her, they gathered together.
"Junior Sister Mo Yue, how about we form a team and hunt together?" Mo Qi offered with a warm smile. She was clearly looking forward to the Ming Valley expedition and knew Jian Dan's strength made her an ideal companion.
"Has anyone here been inside Ming Valley before?"
All three shook their heads.
"Any detailed intel on it?"
"I'll go through what I have back at the peak. Since we'll be split into groups, they should brief us soon with the latest updates," Mo Su said.
"Alright, let's be ready."
"Looks like our training in Mo Lian Palace will have to wait," Mo Qi sighed.
"Plans never keep up with changes," Jian Dan replied with a wry smile.
The Divine Transformation cultivators gradually left to return to their respective peaks. Tang Jian, however, looked noticeably unsettled.
How had he gotten roped into this? He had only just reached mid-stage Divine Transformation and had planned to quietly cultivate with the plentiful resources of his peak. Now he had to go to a battlefield. This was nothing but bad news.
"My Lord, you're back? Did something happen in the sect? You look troubled."
"Yuan Yuan, today's matter isn't something you should ask about."
"Forgive me. I only asked because you seemed distracted. I didn't mean to overstep."
Pan Yuanyuan looked aggrieved but wisely fell silent as she helped Tang Jian remove his robe.
After some hesitation, Tang Jian still reported the news to his clan. If something were to happen to him, it would be a significant loss to the family.
Standing nearby, Pan Yuanyuan glimpsed the contents of the message and quickly lowered her head, a calculating glint flashing in her eyes.
The next day, Jian Dan sent a transmission talisman to Mo Qi, inviting her to visit the market below Tian Mo Palace and see if they could find useful items—defensive artifacts, battle robes, or pills to restore magic energy.
When they met, Mo Qi teased her, "Mo Yue, anything you need can be exchanged within our Demon Palace. Why come down here?"
"I've already stocked up. I just wanted to feel the atmosphere of the cultivation world before going in. Who knows when we'll return from Ming Valley."
Mo Qi paused, then nodded in understanding. "Alright, let's see what we can find. Maybe we'll stumble upon a rare bargain."
Jian Dan brought Gong Yi along, while Mo Qi was accompanied by her clan's attendant. The four entered Tian Mo City at the foot of the palace.
The gate guards bowed at their arrival. Only once the light from their escape arts vanished did the guards straighten again.
Jian Dan and Mo Qi weren't there to shop seriously, so they withdrew their light and strolled through the city at ease.
While Mo Qi pulled Jian Dan to look at a beautifully crafted pearl hairpin, a familiar figure flickered past the edge of Jian Dan's vision, catching her attention.